Daily Republican., 1887-04-05

~@-eV .A81kN0s
We-Mothe- Raynor, Jack and l.
were sitting In our little sitting room,
our best room, but not parlor, for
mother would never call the little box
OF room by 10 dignified title, and
Tor the hundredth time they were tell.
Ing me what they knew Of my life.
, You see, Birdie" said mother, as
had always called her, sit was q
stormy night and Jack had been de-
tanned at the store-he was cash boy at
Cotton u Co.'s then--but just as he
was running up the steps, about 7
O'Clock, he met a woman Lurrying
down them. She brushed by without
speaking, and he, when he reached
the door, almost stumbled over bas-
ket where you lay all snuggled up in
warm flannels. All, but you were q
very nice baby, my dear"
PITY my mother hadn't thought
SO" sarcastically observed. Then l
saw Jack looking tendcrly at me, and
l remembered that | had secret to
tell Mother RaynOr. l arose and went
to her.
ut was seventeen years tomorrow
that you found me-" | said, "and so
that is the only birthday l have. i
have accepted Jack as birthday
gift"
A radiant look of surprised Joy fair
ly illumined her dear old face as she
comprehended the meaning OF my re-
mark.
at has been the wish Of my life,"
she whispered, kissing me softly.
The next morning several little
birthday tokens were on my breakfast
plate. Jack had gratified an Oft-ex-
pressed wish of mine by having lit
tie cameo earring, found In the bas-
ket in which they first found me. set
in n ring for me for one of my birth
day presents. 1t WAS an exquisite,
clear cut cameo, and it had a decided
unique setting; SO had always in
dulged in the hope that some time.
perhaps, l might learn through it who
my parents were.
SO the day began happily. During
the afternoon, however, | CHANGED to
go on the street to pay visit to girl
friend. AT one place some workmen
INSTRUCTED the sidewalk and was
obliged to cross the street. remem-
Der stepping down and advancing q
few steps, OF hearing hOarse shouts of
warning, feeling sudden sh ock and
then all was blank.
When | returned to consciousness
was in a strange room; everything was
strange to me.
"Where am II" asked, although l
could see no one. "What has hap
peDed?"
"You are with friends" said low,
soft voice near me.
Turning my eyes, they fell on a
sweet. faced lady, not yet old. although
her hair was nearly white, sitting
near me.
How came here?" demanded in
a weak, startled voice.
After bret consultation with a
woman, evidently the nurse. the lady
decided TO explain the situation.
"You are weak, but trust to your
good sense TO remain calm while tell
you why you are here. About a month
ago you were crossing the street, and
my husband and | accidentally ran
against and severely injured you.
There was nothing about you to iden
tify you, and so we brought you
home"
"And this was a month ago. Has
no one been here? Did you adver.
tise 2"
NO" replied the lady at was
reported in the police news, believe,
as my husband had TO pay large fine
for his carelessness, but never thought
of advertising for your friends. sup
posed they would go to the station and
then be directed here, if you had any
in the city"
II have none," l said, bitterly. al
was only founding, living upon
charity all my life."
4 whole month | had lain there and
no one had called. And my pale, thin
hands showed how near to deaths
door | had been.
AS lay looking at my wasted fin,
gers noticed that my ring was gone.
Hastily | inquired where il was.
Mynew found acquaintance blushcd,
and then said:
"Will you allow my husband to talk
your cameo"
IN few moments tall, handsome
| gentleman accompanied her into the
room.
Years ago." he began, after apollo
| giving tor being the cause OF my ill
ness, and congratulating me on my
recovery, II had pair of cameol
carved in this city. They were unlike
anything ever carved here. l hat
them set in pair of earrings for my
wife. One night our house was robbed
by a trusted servant; the canoes wer'
taken with other valuables."
"Was anything else taken?'l asked
sitting upright, forgetting for momen
my weak state.
The gentleman strove to control hi:
emotion, bu. his wife was SILENT,
weeping near the window.
"Yes, our only child" he replied
brokenly. Now will you tell me hov
you came by this cameo, for it is tn
same? l took it to the person WIFI
carved it for me so long ago, and h
recognized it at once, although it ha
been reset"
"Was it seventeen years ago tina
your child was stolen?" asked
eagerly.
"Yes. What do you know OF it?
he questioned, hoarsely.
~ know that l am your child
then"
| After / had told the story so oftel
repeated to me by Mother Raynor the
were perfectly satisfied that | belonge